Disney’s Fantasy Cruise Ship has slower than expected first three months

Disney’s 1,250-room luxury cruise ship, The Fantasy, has not been as busy as expected during its inaugural first three months, particularly when compared to its sister ship, The Disney Dream. Port Canaveral passenger records reveal the occupancy rate for Disney’s Fantasy has averaged 132.7 percent during its first three months of operation, well behind the 152.1 percent occupancy that the Dream averaged during its first three months of sailing in 2011.

Reasons for the difference are cited as the less popular longer cruise lengths available on the Fantasy, versus the shorter cruises available on the Dream. Also sources say more couples without children are traveling on the Fantasy, which lowers overall passenger numbers.

From The Orlando Sentinel:
When asked to comment on the Fantasy’s performance, spokeswoman Rena Langley said: “We are very pleased with the launch of the Disney Fantasy and are seeing stellar guest-satisfaction ratings for our new ship.”

Will lower occupancy numbers mean more discounts released on future Fantasy cruises? One can certainly hope. Disney has already discounted early summer 7-night sailings on the Fantasy for DVC members. It remains to be seen if future discounts will become available.